Not many fans get the chance to run out onto the MCG with their favourite footy team.

But that’s exactly what nine-year-old Crows fan Stefani Williams will be doing this weekend for the team’s clash against Melbourne at the MCG.

The chance to be the mascot at Sunday’s match is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Stefani, made possible through the Crows Children’s Foundation and the Starlight Foundation’s wish granting arm to help with her recovery from serious illness.

Last August Stefani battled a rare virus that lead to Encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. The infection, which simply started with flu-like symptoms, left Stefani with a brain injury that meant she was initially unable to walk or talk.

The determined young Crows supporter has since learnt to do both again and on Sunday she will show just how far she has come when she has the opportunity to run out the MCG alongside captain Taylor Walker.

For Stefani, her wish got off to an early start when she visited the Adelaide Football Club on Thursday to watch training and meet some of the team including her favourite player, Eddie Betts.

“When Stefani was asked what her wish was, out of all of the options available she said she would like to meet her hero, Eddie Betts, and run through the banner with the team at the MCG,” Stefani’s mum Georgia said. 

“She has never been to the MCG, let alone had the opportunity to experience it in all its glory with her favourite team.

“She has gone through a lot during the last 10 months and to have the opportunity to meet Eddie Betts and the other players is a dream come true.”

To make a contribution to the Crows Children’s Foundation please click here.